Marist vs. Griffith: Differences Between Australian and American University Life

Mar 27, 2017
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

One of the most interesting parts of studying abroad has been noticing the differences between university life in Australia and college life in the United States. While the two systems have some similarities, there are many cultural and educational differences that make the experience unique.

1. College vs. UniversityIn the United States, most people refer to higher education as "college" or simply "school." In Australia, it's commonly called "university," or "uni" for short.

2. Degree StructureIn America, undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete, and many students don't declare a major until their second or third year. Freshmen and sophomores are often required to take a variety of general education courses, including subjects like science, history, and physical education. In Australia, students apply directly to a specific degree program and generally choose their area of study from the beginning. Although first-year students still take introductory courses, they are usually related to their degree. Most undergraduate degrees in Australia are completed in three years.

3. Cost of EducationCollege in the United States can be extremely expensive, with many students paying between $20,000 and $30,000 per year or more depending on the institution. In Australia, the total cost of an undergraduate degree is often between $18,000 and $30,000 AUD. Australian students also have access to the HECS-HELP loan program, which allows the government to cover tuition costs upfront. Graduates then repay the loan through the tax system once their income reaches a certain threshold.

4. Living ArrangementsIn America, many students attend college far from home and live in dormitories on campus, complete with twin beds, roommates, and communal bathrooms. In Australia, it is much more common for students to attend a university close to home and continue living with their parents. While that means lower living costs and home-cooked meals, it also comes with less independence and, of course, the occasional parental nagging.

5. University Drinking CultureCollege towns in the United States often revolve around local bars that cater to students. However, because the legal drinking age is 21, underage drinking remains a part of college culture. In Australia, students can legally drink at age 18, and many universities have a "unibar" where students can socialize and grab a drink before heading out to nearby bars.

6. House Party TraditionsAmerican college parties are famous for red Solo cups and games like beer pong. Australian house parties have their own traditions, including drinking from "goon bags" (boxed wine) and playing games like Goon of Fortune.

7. Spring Break vs. SchooliesIn the United States, Spring Break is one of the biggest social events of the year, with students flocking to beach destinations for a week of fun. Australia doesn't have a direct equivalent for university students, but "Schoolies" serves a similar purpose for recent high school graduates. Both events involve beaches, celebrations, and plenty of memorable stories.

8. Sports CultureCollege sports are a huge part of American university life. Students pack stadiums, wear school colors, and passionately support their teams. In Australia, university sports exist, but they play a much smaller role in campus culture and generally attract less attention.

9. Clubs and OrganizationsFraternities and sororities are an iconic part of many American campuses. In Australia, students are more likely to join clubs related to their degree, hobbies, or interests. However, many students choose not to participate in extracurricular organizations at all.

10. School PrideAmericans tend to have a strong connection to their college or university, often continuing to identify with their alma mater long after graduation. While Australian students may enjoy their university experience, there is generally less emphasis on school pride and institutional identity.

11. Alumni CultureMany American colleges host annual alumni weekends and homecoming events, encouraging former students to return and reconnect with the campus community. In Australia, graduates are less likely to return to their university regularly, and visits tend to be much more casual.

Studying in Australia has given me a fascinating perspective on how different countries approach higher education. While there are advantages and challenges to both systems, experiencing university life from a completely different cultural viewpoint has been one of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad.